In 1983 Chemainus won the prestigious New York Downtown Revitalization Award because it had effectively redeveloped its downtown core. A local resident and visionary had the great idea to paint huge depictions of the towns history on the walls of businesses in the downtown core. More than 250,000 dollars has been invested in murals and this has brought in over 100 new businesses, a successful dinner theatre and gallery, and almost 500,000 visitors annually.
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Cathedral Grove Giant Douglas Fir
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One of the Chemainus Murals with a few added extras...my friends |
The successful Chemainus Dinner Theatre
and Gallery |
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The murals might bring you to Chemainus, but there is a lot more to do there than visit the murals. There is an excellent 18 hole golf course right in town. Most will pass it on the way into town. It is well kept and has some interesting holes. It is scenic and worthy of a visit. Chemain was for a century a one resource town. The mill was the reason for its existence. In 1983 the mill closed. This town re-invented itself and now is a tourist mecca.
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The Coast Salish Native people were the first to inhabit the area thousands of years ago. Forestry built the area into the town that existed through the 1900's. The town is a mixture of frontier and Victorian designed buildings and homes. It definitely gives you the feeling you are in a small town with character! There are lots of businesses and services to support your visit. Lots of restaurants and shops to visit. |
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Chemainus is tucked into the Eastern shoreline of Vancouver Island. There is a park and beach with a boat launch. The murals reflect the rich history of the area from the first nations people, to the daily workings of the forestry industry, and daily life in the community. There are 36 murals at the time of this writing. The E&N railway (VIA Rail) passes through Chemainus, so you can arrive from Victoria or up-island by train and tour Chemainus. Just check the train schedules to see if that will work for you. There are also carvings and sculptures around town further depicting the history of the area. There is a beautiful park with public washrooms at Waterwheel Park on the edge of downtown. A replica of the waterwheel is in the park. |
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In order to fully take in this community, you will need to spend some time here. Check out the local accommodations and attractions. For more information on this area click here.
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